Free Hillsborough Travel Guide & Mobile App

Plan your Hillsborough trip with Evendo. Get free guides to top attractions, restaurants, hotels, and bars. Web access or download the mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Hillsborough
Hillsborough photo 2
Hillsborough photo 3
All photos

Hillsborough, Grenada, brings Carriacou’s maritime history, quiet beaches, local food, island culture and easy access to reefs, bays and sailing adventures.

A Small Town with a Maritime Soul

Hillsborough is the principal settlement of Carriacou, Grenada’s largest dependency, a hilly island lying north of the main island in the southern Caribbean. The town stretches along a sheltered waterfront where fishing boats, inter-island ferries and small pleasure craft give the shoreline its working character. Streets climb gently inland from the harbour, passing modest shops, churches, cafés and homes painted in the pastel colours associated with the Grenadines.
Read more about Hillsborough

Island History and Living Traditions

Carriacou’s history is shaped by Indigenous Caribbean settlement, European colonial rivalry, plantation agriculture, seafaring and the movement of people between the islands. The Carriacou Museum in Hillsborough introduces this layered past, while boatbuilding traditions, string-band music and community festivals show that local culture is not confined to displays. The annual Carriacou Maroon and Stringband Music Festival is particularly associated with the island’s African and Caribbean heritage, although its timing and programme vary.

Exploring Beyond the Waterfront

Hillsborough provides a practical base for discovering Carriacou’s bays, reefs and beaches. Short journeys lead to places such as Tyrrel Bay, Paradise Beach and Anse La Roche, while boat trips can reach nearby Sandy Island and other cays when sea conditions permit. The town itself is best experienced at an unhurried pace: browse the market area, watch harbour activity, speak with local vendors and use the shoreline as a starting point for understanding an island whose appeal lies in its scale, seafaring identity and strong community life.

Getting to and around Hillsborough

How to get there

Hillsborough is reached either by air or sea from Grenada’s main island. Lauriston Airport, near Hillsborough on Carriacou, handles domestic connections from Maurice Bishop International Airport near St George’s, although schedules can change and should be checked before travelling. Passenger ferries and other sea services connect Carriacou with Grenada and, at times, neighbouring islands; the crossing is weather-dependent and schedules may vary. Hillsborough is the island’s principal arrival point, with taxis available for onward journeys. Travellers arriving internationally normally enter through Maurice Bishop International Airport before transferring to Carriacou, rather than flying directly into Hillsborough from overseas.

Transportation

Hillsborough is compact enough to explore on foot, particularly around the waterfront, central streets, market area and nearby museum. Taxis and locally arranged car hire are useful for reaching beaches, bays and villages elsewhere on Carriacou, where roads can be narrow, winding and hilly. Public transport exists in the form of local buses and shared travel arrangements, but services are less frequent and formalised than in a large city. Boats are important for excursions to offshore cays and beaches, while sea conditions influence departures. Driving is on the left in Grenada, and visitors should allow extra care on unfamiliar roads.

Best attractions in Hillsborough

Hillsborough’s waterfront is the natural starting point for exploring Carriacou, with harbour views, fishing activity and the island’s compact commercial centre close together. The Carriacou Museum provides an introduction to Indigenous settlement, colonial history, slavery, emancipation and local maritime traditions through a modest but valuable collection. The town’s churches, market area and streets offer glimpses of everyday island life rather than a concentration of monumental sights. Beyond Hillsborough, the beaches and bays of Carriacou broaden the experience: Paradise Beach is known for its open coastal setting, Tyrrel Bay has a strong sailing and harbour character, and Anse La Roche offers a quieter natural landscape. Boat excursions may reach Sandy Island and nearby reefs, subject to weather and sea conditions. Traditional boatbuilding, local music and community festivals add cultural depth to sightseeing, particularly during organised events such as the Carriacou Maroon and Stringband Music Festival.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Hillsborough

The principal landmarks of Hillsborough are modest in scale but closely tied to Carriacou’s identity. The Carriacou Museum is significant as a place where the island’s archaeological, colonial and maritime history is interpreted within the community that produced it. The waterfront and harbour form another defining landmark, reflecting Hillsborough’s role as Carriacou’s administrative, trading and transport centre. Local churches and historic civic buildings contribute to the town’s architectural character, while traditional wooden boats and boatbuilding yards represent a living maritime heritage rather than a static monument. Away from the centre, coastal viewpoints, old plantation landscapes and village churches help reveal the island’s historical geography. Tyrrel Bay, although outside Hillsborough, is an important nearby harbour landmark whose anchorage and sailing activity illustrate the continuing relationship between Carriacou and the wider Grenadine sea routes.

Show more landmarks

Explore Hillsborough on the map

Plan your Hillsborough trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Hillsborough

Dining in Hillsborough is shaped by Carriacou’s fishing culture, Creole traditions and close access to the sea. Local cooking commonly features fresh fish, lobster when in season and other seafood, alongside chicken, rice, provisions such as sweet potato and breadfruit, plantain, callaloo and pepper sauces. Small restaurants, waterfront eateries, cafés and informal vendors provide a more representative taste of the island than a concentration of international dining rooms. Breakfast and lunch may be particularly useful occasions for trying home-style dishes, while roadside sellers and market-area businesses can offer simple snacks and drinks. Tyrrel Bay, outside Hillsborough, also has food outlets associated with its sailing community. Menus and opening patterns can be seasonal, and seafood availability depends on weather and local catches, so asking residents about the day’s options is often more reliable than expecting a fixed dining scene.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Hillsborough

Hillsborough’s evening life is relaxed and community-oriented rather than built around large nightclubs. Waterfront bars, small rum shops, casual restaurants and hotel bars provide places for a drink and conversation, while music and social activity often increase during festivals, public holidays and community gatherings. Carriacou’s string-band tradition, associated with fiddles, guitars, banjos and percussion, is an important part of the island’s cultural sound and may be encountered through organised events rather than nightly performances. Tyrrel Bay has an easy-going evening atmosphere connected with sailors and local residents, although activity varies by season. Visitors should not expect a dense late-night entertainment district; venues may close earlier than in St George’s, and transport should be arranged in advance for journeys back to accommodation outside Hillsborough.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Hillsborough

Hillsborough’s evening life is relaxed and community-oriented rather than built around large nightclubs. Waterfront bars, small rum shops, casual restaurants and hotel bars provide places for a drink and conversation, while music and social activity often increase during festivals, public holidays and community gatherings. Carriacou’s string-band tradition, associated with fiddles, guitars, banjos and percussion, is an important part of the island’s cultural sound and may be encountered through organised events rather than nightly performances. Tyrrel Bay has an easy-going evening atmosphere connected with sailors and local residents, although activity varies by season. Visitors should not expect a dense late-night entertainment district; venues may close earlier than in St George’s, and transport should be arranged in advance for journeys back to accommodation outside Hillsborough.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Hillsborough

Shopping in Hillsborough is centred on practical local commerce rather than a large retail district. Small groceries, pharmacies, market stalls and general shops serve residents, while visitors may find locally made crafts, clothing, artwork, spices, rum and packaged Caribbean foods. The market area and waterfront are useful places to look for fresh produce and small-scale food sellers, though the range and timing of stalls can vary. Carriacou’s strongest distinctive product is its maritime craftsmanship: traditional wooden boats are built by skilled artisans, although these are working vessels rather than ordinary souvenirs. Handmade items associated with local festivals, music and island life may also be available through community sellers. For gifts, it is worth distinguishing genuinely local work from imported Caribbean merchandise and asking makers about materials, provenance and appropriate ways to support their craft.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Hillsborough, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Hillsborough essentials

Currency and Payment
Grenada uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar, written as XCD or EC$, which is also used in several neighbouring eastern Caribbean countries. United States dollars are sometimes accepted in tourist-facing businesses, though change and exchange rates may vary. Larger hotels, established restaurants and some transport or tour providers may accept cards, but small shops, market stalls, taxis and informal food sellers often prefer cash. ATMs are available on Carriacou but should not be treated as a substitute for carrying a modest reserve of Eastern Caribbean dollars, particularly when travelling outside Hillsborough or during service interruptions.
Safety
Hillsborough is a small island town, but ordinary precautions remain appropriate. Keep valuables secure, avoid displaying large amounts of cash and take care with belongings around ferry terminals, beaches and busy public areas. After dark, use established roads and arrange trusted transport for journeys beyond the centre, particularly where streets are quiet or poorly lit. Swimming and boat activities require attention to currents, reefs, weather and operator instructions. Sun protection and hydration are important in the tropical climate. Visitors should also remember that medical and emergency resources on Carriacou are more limited than on Grenada’s main island.
Emergency Situations
For police, fire or medical emergencies in Grenada, dial 911 and state that assistance is required on Carriacou, giving a clear location and contact number. Princess Alice Hospital near Lauriston provides healthcare on the island, while serious or specialist cases may require transfer to Grenada’s main island. Travel insurance with medical and evacuation cover is sensible because sea and air transfers can be affected by weather. Keep accommodation details, identification and essential medication accessible, and ask local hosts about the most practical route to medical assistance if staying outside Hillsborough.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress casually but respectfully when entering churches or visiting community events, and ask permission before photographing people, homes, ceremonies or working boatyards. Greet local residents politely and allow conversations and services to proceed at an island pace. Avoid walking on coral, taking shells or disturbing marine life, and follow guidance from boat operators around reefs and protected areas. Tipping is appreciated for good service but is not a substitute for checking whether a service charge has already been included. Do not assume that beaches, boats or private land are freely accessible without asking.
Local Tips
Hillsborough is a useful base for combining town life with excursions across Carriacou, but distances, transport availability and weather can make a flexible schedule more comfortable. The waterfront and market area are good places to understand the town before arranging trips to Tyrrel Bay, Paradise Beach or the island’s quieter coves. Ask locally about current conditions before booking a boat to Sandy Island or offshore snorkelling sites. The Carriacou Museum is especially useful early in a visit because it places local landscapes, traditions and historic sites in context.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHello[Hel-lo]
GoodbyeGoodbye[Gud-bye]
YesYes[Yes]
NoNo[No]
Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome[Pleez/You're welcome]
Thank youThank you[Tank yu]
Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Sorry[Ex-kuse me/Sor-ry]
How are you?How are you?[How are yu?]
Fine. And you?Fine. And you?[Fine. An yu?]
Do you speak English?Do you speak English?[Do yu speak Ing-lish?]
I don't understandI don't understand[I don't un-der-stand]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI'd like to see the menu, please[I'd like to see the menu, please]
I don't eat meatI don't eat meat[I don't eat meat]
Cheers!Cheers![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseI would like to pay, please[I would like to pay, please]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help!]
Go away!Go away![Go away!]
Call the Police!Call the Police![Call the Police!]
Call a doctor!Call a doctor![Call a doctor!]
I'm lostI'm lost[I'm lost]
I'm illI'm ill[I'm ill]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I'd like to buy...[I'd like to buy...]
I'm just lookingI'm just looking[I'm just looking]
How much is it?How much is it?[How much is it?]
That's too expensiveThat's too expensive[That's too expensive]
Can you lower the price?Can you lower the price?[Can you lower the price?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[What time is it?]
It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock[It's one o'clock]
Half past (10)Half past (10)[Half past (10)]
MorningMorning[Morning]
AfternoonAfternoon[Afternoon]
EveningEvening[Evening]
YesterdayYesterday[Yesterday]
TodayToday[Today]
TomorrowTomorrow[Tomorrow]
11[1]
22[2]
33[3]
44[4]
55[5]
66[6]
77[7]
88[8]
99[9]
1010[10]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's a/the...?[Where's a/the...?]
What's the address?What's the address?[What's the address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?[Can you show me (on the map)?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?[When's the next (bus)?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)[A ticket (to ....)]

History of Hillsborough

Indigenous Carriacou and Early Settlement

Long before European colonisation, Carriacou was inhabited by Indigenous peoples of the Caribbean, including communities associated with Arawakan and Island Carib cultural worlds. The island’s sheltered bays, freshwater sources and position among the Grenadine islands supported fishing, cultivation and movement by canoe. Archaeological evidence from Carriacou and neighbouring islands points to a history of settlement and exchange rather than isolation. Hillsborough’s later role as the island’s principal harbour settlement reflects this enduring relationship between people, the sea and the natural anchorages of the coast.

European Rivalry in the Grenadines

From the seventeenth century, French and British interests competed for control of Grenada and the Grenadine islands. Carriacou was drawn into this wider struggle through changing colonial authority, maritime trade and plantation development. The island’s location made it useful to vessels moving between the larger islands, while its land supported the cultivation of crops including cotton and sugar on a smaller scale than in some neighbouring colonies. The population also changed as European settlers, enslaved Africans and their descendants shaped the island’s social and economic life.

British Rule and Plantation Society

Britain secured Grenada and its dependencies in the eighteenth century, and Carriacou subsequently developed within the legal and commercial framework of the British West Indies. Plantation agriculture depended on enslaved labour until emancipation in the 1830s, after which landholding, farming and maritime work evolved under difficult economic conditions. Hillsborough grew as an administrative and trading centre, connecting inland communities with the harbour. Surviving place names, churches, family histories and agricultural landscapes retain traces of this colonial period without reducing Carriacou’s history to plantation experience alone.

Seafaring, Craft and Community Life

Carriacou’s position among the Grenadines encouraged a strong maritime culture. Fishing, inter-island commerce, boatbuilding and seasonal work linked the island to Grenada, the Grenadines and the wider Caribbean. Traditional wooden boatbuilding became one of Carriacou’s most distinctive cultural practices, combining practical knowledge with inherited craftsmanship. Hillsborough’s waterfront remains closely connected to this history, even as modern transport and changing economic conditions have altered the harbour’s activity. Music, family networks, religious life and community festivals have likewise helped preserve a recognisable Carriacou identity.

Emancipation and Social Transformation

The end of slavery transformed land, labour and community relations across Carriacou, as formerly enslaved people sought greater control over work, family life and property. Small-scale farming, fishing, domestic craft and migration became important parts of the island economy. Later generations frequently travelled for employment while maintaining strong connections with Carriacou, contributing to a wide diaspora. These movements helped shape the island’s distinctive cultural traditions, including string-band music, dance and communal celebrations. Hillsborough continued to function as the principal point for administration, trade and contact with the outside world.

Grenada and Carriacou in the Modern Era

Grenada became an independent state in 1974, with Carriacou and Petite Martinique forming part of the country’s dependencies. Improved roads, air and sea links, public services and tourism gradually altered everyday life, although Carriacou retained a smaller-scale character than the main island. Hurricanes and other severe weather events have periodically damaged homes, boats and infrastructure, underlining the vulnerability of island communities. Today, Hillsborough combines administrative functions and visitor services with living traditions in music, boatbuilding, fishing and community life that connect contemporary Carriacou to its layered past.

Hillsborough in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Cities near Hillsborough

The closest cities to Hillsborough, if you have time for more than one stop.

Explore more

Grenada
More of the region

Explore more of Grenada

Discover Grenada, the Spice Isle of the Caribbean, where lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage create a tropical paradise for all travelers.

Explore Grenada
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Hillsborough, Grenada

Download Evendo, the 100% free app-based travel guide to Hillsborough, covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more to make your trip unforgettable.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking of hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Discover Hillsborough like never before with Evendo, your comprehensive and free travel guide app. Explore attractions, book experiences, and find local gems effortlessly.

  • History of Hillsborough
  • Travel essentials for Hillsborough
  • Curated local tips to experience the city like a local
  • Easy navigation through the app and the city
  • 'Near me' feature to find nearby attractions and amenities
  • No in-app purchases or hidden costs—completely free

Welcome to Hillsborough, Grenada—a paradise waiting to be explored. With Evendo, your journey becomes seamless and thrilling. Imagine strolling through the charming streets of Hillsborough, discovering hidden gems, and experiencing the vibrant local culture, all with the help of a single app. Evendo offers detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Hillsborough. Whether you want to relax at the famous Sandy Island, explore the historical Belmont Estate, or dine at the renowned La Playa Beach Bar, Evendo has got you covered.

Each location within the app includes rich sets of information such as images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details. This makes planning and organizing your trip a breeze. No more hassle of searching for what to do and how to get there—Evendo consolidates everything into one easy-to-use platform. Plus, you can book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app.

Get the most out of your visit with features like the history of Hillsborough, travel essentials, curated local tips, and easy navigation. The 'Near me' feature ensures you always know what's around you, making spontaneous adventures simple and fun. Best of all, Evendo is 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs. Download Evendo today and start your Hillsborough adventure!

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.